Recycling Construction Debris in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has aggressive waste diversion goals, and construction debris plays a big role. Here's what you need to know.

What Gets Recycled?

Massachusetts diverts a significant amount of construction and demolition (C&D) debris from landfills:

• Clean wood — recycled into mulch, biomass fuel, or composite materials
• Metal — scrap yards accept steel, aluminum, copper, and other metals
• Concrete and asphalt — crushed and reused as road base
• Cardboard — recycled through standard recycling streams
• Asphalt shingles — increasingly recycled into road paving material

What Goes to Landfill?

• Mixed C&D debris that can't be separated
• Contaminated materials
• Certain types of treated lumber
• Mixed waste with hazardous components

Massachusetts C&D Regulations

The MA DEP has specific rules for construction waste:

• Waste bans prohibit certain materials from landfills (clean wood, metal, concrete, cardboard)
• Licensed facilities must sort and recycle qualifying materials
• Haulers (like McDumpsters) must use licensed C&D processing facilities

What This Means for You

When you rent from McDumpsters, we take your debris to licensed disposal and recycling facilities that comply with all Massachusetts regulations. Recyclable materials are separated and diverted from landfills.

You don't need to sort construction debris yourself — the processing facility handles that. However, keeping prohibited items (hazardous materials, electronics) out of the dumpster helps everyone.

Questions About Construction Waste?

Call (978) 375-2272. We can advise on proper disposal for any type of construction debris.